Liverpool Midfielder Suffers Fresh Injury Blow – “We Have to Wait and See” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Injury Woes Deepen as Stefan Bajcetic Faces New Setback

Liverpool’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle was painful enough, but things are also struggling in the loan department. Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has suffered another injury blow, whilst out on loan at Las Palmas, as revealed by Relevo.

Bajcetic’s Loan Struggles in Spain

Stefan Bajcetic’s loan move to Las Palmas was intended as a fresh start—a chance for the 20-year-old to regain form and confidence following a turbulent stint at Red Bull Salzburg. However, his progress hit another obstacle when he suffered a calf injury during his first start for the La Liga side in their 2-1 defeat to Villarreal. Forced off in the 78th minute, Bajcetic’s setback is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the young midfielder.

Photo: IMAGO

Las Palmas manager Diego Martínez commented on the situation post-match, stating, “These are players who have not had any continuity in training for some time, so these kinds of overloads are normal. We have to wait and see.” Spanish media suggests the injury isn’t severe, but further assessments will determine the exact timeline for Bajcetic’s return.

A Setback for Arne Slot’s Plans

Liverpool manager Arne Slot had high hopes for Bajcetic’s development this season. The young Spaniard’s potential was clear, but consistent playing time was crucial for his growth—something Slot emphasised before his initial loan to Salzburg:

“I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player and I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now,” Slot remarked. “If you are that young and you’ve been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time.”

This injury complicates Slot’s long-term vision for the midfielder. With Bajcetic’s career already hindered by inconsistent appearances—just eight starts at Salzburg following Pep Lijnders’ dismissal—Liverpool had hoped a return to Spain would offer stability. Now, the Reds face uncertainty over whether Bajcetic can establish the rhythm necessary to fulfil his potential.

Photo: IMAGO

Growing Injury List at Anfield

Bajcetic’s injury isn’t an isolated incident in Liverpool’s season. The Reds’ FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle saw Joe Gomez withdraw early in the first half, though Slot confirmed it was not a recurrence of his previous hamstring issue from West Ham. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones’ recovery from an MCL injury hit a snag, leaving him unfit to feature in the match.

These injuries come amid an already congested fixture list, with Slot opting for heavy rotation against Plymouth. Key players like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Dominik Szoboszlai were rested, but the gamble didn’t pay off as Liverpool crashed out of the tournament.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Season

The accumulation of injuries poses significant questions about Liverpool’s depth and resilience. With critical fixtures ahead in both the Premier League and European competitions, Slot’s ability to manage player fitness and squad rotation will be tested. The club’s young talents, including Bajcetic, were seen as vital cogs in this strategy—but with his fitness now in doubt, Slot may need to rethink his approach.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, the news of Stefan Bajcetic’s injury is a frustrating twist in what has been a season of highs and lows. Bajcetic embodies the promise of Liverpool’s future—a technically gifted midfielder with the vision and composure reminiscent of club legends. His loan to Las Palmas was supposed to be the turning point, but this latest setback feels like two steps back.

However, there’s room for optimism. The injury doesn’t appear to be severe, and if managed properly, Bajcetic could still return to form before the season’s end. Slot’s faith in him suggests that when fit, he’ll be given opportunities to prove himself at Anfield. Fans can only hope this is a minor bump in what will be a long and successful career in the red shirt.

Additionally, the club’s current injury struggles aren’t unprecedented. Liverpool has shown resilience in the face of adversity before, and with leaders like Van Dijk and emerging stars like Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, there’s every reason to believe the Reds can weather this storm. Slot’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth will be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead.